‘This is unbelievable!’ Rachael Blackmore overjoyed after making history in 2021 Grand National

Blackmore marked yet another first by taking victory at Aintree

Rachael Blackmore couldn’t hide her delight after becoming the first woman to ride the winner of the Grand National when steering Minella Times to glory at Aintree.

The Irish rider was top jockey at the Cheltenham Festival - where she won the Champion Hurdle - and crowned a fabulous season with an historic triumph in the world’s greatest steeplechase.

The writing was on the wall when she took Minella Times into the lead before the final fence, although she had to keep the Henry de Bromhead-trained eight-year-old up to his work as the famous Elbow approached.

Blackmore and Minella Times (11-1) were not for stopping, though, and galloped into racing folklore to win in the colours of JP McManus.

“I just cannot believe it. He was an absolutely sensational spin,” she said after the race.

“What Henry de Bromhead does with these horses, I don’t know! I’m so lucky to be riding them, I just cannot believe I’m after winning the Grand National. This is unbelievable.”

Blackmore was full of praise for Minella Times, one of seven horses in the race owned by JP McManus.

“He was just incredible, he jumped beautifully,” she added. “I was trying to wait for as long as I could - when we jumped the last and I asked him for a bit, he was there. It’s just incredible.

“I don’t feel male or female right now - I don’t even feel human. This is just unbelievable.”

Balko Des Flos (100-1), ridden by Aidan Coleman, was second to give De Bromhead an incredible one-two.

Any Second Now (15-2) was third, with Burrows Saint (9-1) fourth and Farclas (16-1) fifth, as Irish-trained horses filled all those places.

PA